The Last World by CP Bialois Page A

years he was surprised she could still love him. Before he left she asked him to watch after Franklin in case he needed anything. He left her at home and in the capable hands of the live-in nurse. He’d taken so much from her that all he had to give her was his understanding and she accepted that along with the hope they’d be a family again.
    When he pulled out of the ir small driveway at four that morning and began the seven hour drive, Winfield wasn’t sure what the new day would bring. Now, sitting in the parking lot, he wondered what he’d find behind those red brick walls and cathedral-like front doors. Never a fan of doctors, his opinion of the one that called him was borderline for the simple fact he said they were six hours from D.C.. Obviously, the man had no idea about the traffic in the nation’s capital, even that early in the day.
    Deciding he procrastinated enough, Winfield opened the driver’s side door and stood. After surveying the parking lot, he closed the door and headed for the hospital’s entrance at a steady pace. As he neared the small set of stone stairs leading to the door, Winfield noticed a lovely young woman approaching from his left. He quickened his pace and easily reached a door first, pulled it open, and motioned for her to enter with a slight bow and gesture.
    Smiling, Janice responded, “Thank you.”
    He returned the smile . His looks were still striking on his chiseled, but aging, face. “My pleasure, ma’am. A man that doesn‘t hold a door for a lady isn‘t a real man.”
    Janice couldn’t stop blushing because she could tell the stranger fit every description she ever saw about “ real” men. Trim and fit, she had to admit he looked good for his age. Definitely someone her mother would want to have a fling with. Instead, Janice tried to place his face. He didn’t look familiar, so she assumed he was from out of town. Of course, there was only one way to know for sure. “I don’t remember seeing you before. Are you visiting someone?” She could’ve slapped herself. Of course he was there to visit someone.
    The smile on his face faded and he nodded after a moment’s pause. It wasn’t a question he was used to hearing, but that’s what happens when one leaves the uniform at home and wears jeans and a gray sweatshirt with Army on the front instead. “Yes, as a matter-of-fact I am. I’m here to see my son, Franklin Bowen. He was in an accident yesterday.”
    Janice’s face lit up as her brain connected the imaginary line between the name and incident. “That’s great! I mean, I want to check on him, too.”
    “Does that make you his girlfriend?” Winfield’s eyebrows lifted in a way that showed he may have just learned something important. The habit was the main reason he had a desk job.
    Janice giggled. “No, I never met him before. My boyfriend asked me to check on him. He brought him here yesterday.”
    Winfield’s face brightened . “Then, my dear, I owe you and your boyfriend my sincerest thanks.”
    Janice shrugged . “You’re welcome, we’re glad to help. I was surprised Horace called me, though. He sounded worried even though he knows my dad’s a great doctor.”
    “Your father’s Franklin ’s doctor?” When she nodded, he filed the piece of information away out of habit, even though he knew it wouldn’t be useful. Just because he enjoyed being around a pretty girl didn’t mean he’d get sloppy. Smiling, he motioned for her to go first. “Then I’ll let you have the point.” They walked next to each other until they reached the nurses’ station.
    “Hi , Phyllis. Do you know where my dad is and Franklin…”  Janice tried to remember the name. “Bowen is?”
    Phyllis smiled at both of them . “Of course, hun, he’s checking with the guest of honor now. Room 136.”
    “Thanks , Phyllis.”
    “Thank you , ma’am,” Winfield added with a nod.
    She smiled . “Don’t worry about it, doll. Give him my best when you see him.”